The 150-year-old tram service in Kolkata will be coming to end soon as the state government has decided to discontinue it, Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty said. However, the solitary heritage stretch from Maidan to Esplanade will continue to remain.
As of now, Kolkata is the only city that still operates trams. Now, the tram lovers in the city have decided to protest against the decision to discontinue them.
Chakraborty stated that in the current scenario, slow-moving trams, which contribute to traffic congestion during peak hours, are not feasible as commuters require faster modes of transportation.
.”Trams are undoubtedly a part of Kolkata’s heritage after their introduction in 1873 as horse-drawn carriages and played a crucial role in transportation in the previous century…But as roads comprise only 6 per cent of Kolkata’s surface area and with increase in vehicular traffic, we have observed that trams cannot ply the roads along the same routes at the same time as it is leading to congestion,” Chakraborty said.
Chakraborty mentioned that since the issue of running trams is currently under consideration by the Calcutta High Court, the state government will present this submission at the next hearing.
Tram services have already been suspended on several routes across the city.
The minister noted that despite Kolkata having the least road space among metropolitan cities, the police have successfully managed to keep traffic moving, even during peak hours.
“To ensure that people don’t get late to office during peak hours due to traffic jams, we have to take certain difficult measures, including the withdrawal of trams,” he said. The minister added that heritage trams will continue to operate between Maidan and Esplanade, offering people a pleasant and eco-friendly travel experience.
(With PTI inputs)